Fire Safety Notice: Fireproof vs Non Fireproof Buildings
The fire safety notice is one of the most important signs in any apartment building. It tells tenants what to do in a fire, and the advice depends on how your building is built. That's why the FDNY has two versions: one for fireproof buildings and one for non fireproof buildings.
The quick answer
In short: Under 3 RCNY Section 401-06, residential buildings post an FDNY fire safety notice that matches the building's construction: noncombustible (fireproof) or combustible (non fireproof). A building is treated as combustible unless its Certificate of Occupancy, a DOB Letter of No Objection or a design professional's certification shows it's noncombustible or fireproof.
Why there are two versions
Fireproof buildings are built with materials that slow the spread of fire, like concrete and steel. Non fireproof buildings, often older walk ups with wood framing, let fire and smoke travel faster. The safest move in a fire can be different in each, so the notice gives different instructions.
If the fire isn't in your apartment, staying inside with the door closed is often safer than going into smoky halls. Follow FDNY instructions.
Fire and smoke spread faster, so leaving the building quickly and safely is usually the advice, closing doors behind you.
Always use the exact FDNY text for your building type. The FDNY's apartment fire safety guide explains more. The summary here is only to explain the difference.
How to tell which one you need
- 1Check your Certificate of OccupancyIt may say noncombustible or fireproof. If it does, use the noncombustible notice.
- 2Check for a Letter of No ObjectionOlder buildings without a C of O may have one that states construction type.
- 3No documents?The building is treated as combustible, unless a registered design professional certifies in writing that it's noncombustible.
Tell us your building type when you order so you get the right version. Order the fire safety notice, $65
Where it goes
Two places. Inside each apartment's main entrance door, and in a common area near the mailboxes (see our lobby placement guide). If there's no mailbox area, near the elevators or main stairwell. In the common area, part I of the building's fire safety guide, the building information section, is posted with it. Our apartment door notice guide covers sizes and heights.
Size and format
The FDNY rule sets the details: 5.5 x 8.5 inches not counting the frame, with common area notices allowed up to 8.5 x 11 inches. It must be under plexiglass, laminated with a firm backing, or a matte vinyl decal, with clear lettering at least 10 point. English is required, and other languages are optional.
What this looks like in practice
Picture a 1920s walk up in Bushwick with wood joists and no C of O that says fireproof. It's treated as combustible, so every apartment door and the lobby get the non fireproof version. A 1960s elevator building down the block, with a C of O that says fireproof, gets the other version. Two buildings on one street, two different notices. Small houses count too: see 3 family houses and the full checklist.
Official sources: FDNY 3 RCNY 401-06, FDNY apartment fire safety guide.
Quick answers
How do I know if my building is fireproof?
Check the Certificate of Occupancy. If it doesn't say noncombustible or fireproof, the building is treated as combustible unless a design professional certifies otherwise.
What size is the fire safety notice?
5.5 x 8.5 inches, not counting the frame. Common area notices can be up to 8.5 x 11 inches.
Is there a separate close the door sign?
Yes. Stairwell doors need their own red notice. See our close the door sign guide.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.